The use of tablet PCs to access an electronic portfolio in the clinical setting: a pilot study using undergraduate nursing students.
BACKGROUND
In 2006, a digitalised clinical portfolio was introduced into an undergraduate nursing program. The use of a tablet personal computer (PC) with wireless broadband access could overcome issues around computer access in the clinical setting enhancing authenticity and timeliness of assessment.


METHODS
In July 2007, a Hewlett-Packard TC 4400 tablet PC was issued to three participating students. A focus group utilising a semi-structured interview and a survey collected data from the students at the end of the trial to determine the effectiveness of the strategy.


RESULTS
Participants used tablet PCs to access their portfolios. However, lack of space, busy wards and concerns about the security of the PCs limited their use in the clinical setting. The majority of their journal entries were made at home and within similar time frames to those prior to access to tablet PCs. Participants also used the PCs to provide education to other students and staff but were reluctant to use them in front of patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Barriers limiting the use of tablet PCs in the clinical setting may be overcome with greater proficiency in their utility and increased portability of the technology. Tablet PCs offer advantages related to and beyond portfolio use in the clinical setting.
Bogossian
Fiona E
FE
The University of Queensland, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cavell Building, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Queensland 4029, Australia. f.bogossian@uq.edu.au
Kellett
Susan E M
SE
Mason
Beau
B
D001292:Attitude to Computers; D016494:Computer Security; D004506:Education, Nursing; D006801:Humans; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval; D008838:Microcomputers; D015279:Organizational Culture; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011793:Queensland; D011996:Records